Mannert L. Abele
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| Mannert Lincoln Abele | |
|---|---|
| July 11, 1903 - 1942 | |
| Place of birth | Quincy, Massachusetts |
| Place of death | Lost at sea |
| Allegiance | USN |
| Years of service | 1920-1942 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Commands | USS Grunion |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
Lieutenant Commander Mannert Lincoln Abele, USN was a World War II submarine commander who posthumously received the Navy Cross for his heroism in the Pacific Theater.
Abele was born 11 July 1903 in Quincy, Mass., enlisted in the United States Navy 12 August 1920; was appointed midshipman in June 1922; and was commissioned ensign 3 June 1926 following graduation from the United States Naval Academy. He completed training at the Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut in 1929; and, prior to America's entry into World War II, he commanded submarines R-13 and S-31.
Promoted to lieutenant commander 1 December 1940, he assumed command of the USS Grunion (SS-216) at her commissioning 11 April 1942 and took her out of Pearl Harbor 30 June on her first and only war patrol. Grunion steamed to the western Aleutians where from 15 to 30 July she sank two 300-ton patrol boats, heavily damaged a third, and twice escaped enemy depth charge attacks. Because of intensive antisubmarine activity off Kiska Island, she was ordered to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, 30 July. She did not arrive and was reported missing and presumed lost 16 August.
For extraordinary heroism during an aggressive war patrol, LCDR Abele was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Abele's three sons have financed a search for their father's lost ship. In August 2006, survey work discovered what may be the wreck of Grunion[1].
[edit] See also
USS Mannert L. Abele (DD-733), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, named in his honor.
[edit] References
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
